Kuala Lumpur, 20 Jan: Perodua and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the country’s next generation of electric vehicles (xEV).
The MoU includes a comprehensive package that would cover educating and training future engineers in developing new technologies relating to xEV.
“We look forward to exploring a future where Malaysia can develop its own xEV technology and its benefits be shared with our future generation,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.
“With this MoU, Perodua is taking a step further from our original mandate from being a vehicle for technological transfer to becoming an entity that drives technological development,” he said.
Perodua, established in 1993 was created to provide Malaysian with high-quality yet affordable cars while at the same time act as a company that can transfer technology into Malaysia.
This technology transfer was aimed at developing the national automotive ecosystem as well as improving technical and technological knowledge of Malaysians.
Prof. Dr. Rosli Md Illias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), highlighted the collaboration’s potential to drive sustainable mobility in Malaysia. “This collaboration’s underscores the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry that can empower graduates with the skills and knowledge” he said.
The collaboration will empower UTM students and researchers while serving as a model for academia-industry partnerships, ensuring Malaysia remains competitive in the global automotive sector.
The MoU highlights six key elements which are for both Perodua and UTM to jointly enhance the latter’s academic curriculum for its undergraduate in the field of engineering and other related courses.
This MoU will also establish a satellite lab at UTM’s main campus in Skudai, Johor.
Both Perodua and UTM will exchange knowledge on the current developments of various automotive technologies with emphasis on xEV.
Both parties will also jointly exposed academicians and engineers in the development of xEV technology.
Perodua and UTM will actively collaborate in the field of academia, research & development, as well as talent development and training programmes for their respective employees.
The MoU also offers both parties other areas of cooperation that are mutually beneficial to them.
